1990 Steiger Craft transom investigation

[jc55]

Finally got the top transom holes. I used thickened epoxy, drilled a small pilot hole and went up in size, 'creeping' up on the final size so as not to rip, tear, crack the epoxy and added some CSM over over that. Next up will be chamfering the holes through the CSM, sanding the last final 1/5th of the deck and transom and gel coating that.

Inside.

Outside.

My heated commercial shop is being leased so I'm really trying to do what I can with propane heaters, heat lamps, plastic tarps, insufficient air compressor, etc. I may have to rent an air compressor to repair, prep, primer, and Awlgrip the outside of the transom skin since I really screwed it up having the heat lamp too close.

 

[nurseman]

Sorry to hear about your mishap, sucks when you make more work for your self :facepalm: :yell: :frusty:

I'm sure you will get her back on track!

 

[kcassells]

Finally got the top transom holes. I used thickened epoxy, drilled a small pilot hole and went up in size, 'creeping' up on the final size so as not to rip, tear, crack the epoxy and added some CSM over over that. Next up will be chamfering the holes through the CSM, sanding the last final 1/5th of the deck and transom and gel coating that.

Inside.

Outside.

My heated commercial shop is being leased so I'm really trying to do what I can with propane heaters, heat lamps, plastic tarps, insufficient air compressor, etc. I may have to rent an air compressor to repair, prep, primer, and Awlgrip the outside of the transom skin since I really screwed it up having the heat lamp too close.

hey JC at the end of the day you'll be fine and yes I understand the "RUSH" factor. Check this out....It is currently 55 where I am and had the heat lamps/propane burner going today. Temps went to in a concentrated area {the cuddy} to 100... turned off the gas. Left on the lights. Still going back often to check it out. Since your experience but all seems ok! It's nuts...Oh yea I did add an entire new full cover tarp and a ridge to the boat. Got dark inside there so I'll need to add add'l lighting.
From 45 this morn to current 50 to 100? of course the placement of the temp gauge has alot with the temps showing but I'll take a spread like that to continue working before I can't any longer.

 

[ahmincha]

Sorry to hear about your troubles jc. Before you know it they will be a distant memory

 

[jc55]

Thank you Nurseman, KC and Minch for the encouragement! Yup! These things do happen.

Finished up gel coating the deck and transom. It's not a show quality finish...just a "work boat finish". Hopefully she'll last for many years just the same..without the aluminum transom cap this time. Next will be outer transom repair, front hull tabbing repair, and onto wiring!

 

[kcassells]

Looking good!:joyous:

 

[ahmincha]

Looking good jc

 

[nurseman]

Looking very nice!

 

[kcassells]

Thank you Nurseman, KC and Minch for the encouragement! Yup! These things do happen.

Finished up gel coating the deck and transom. It's not a show quality finish...just a "work boat finish". Hopefully she'll last for many years just the same..without the aluminum transom cap this time. Next will be outer transom repair, front hull tabbing repair, and onto wiring!

What were the outside temps and how long did it take to dry the gelcoat? Do I recall you are working in a heated garage?

 

[jc55]

Thanks again guys.

Hey KC, It was 27 degrees outside and I have a bubble within a bubble inside my unheated pole barn. (Last year I did all the painting on the Sport Craft in a heated shop).

I got the bubble temps around 70 with the propane heater pictured, but it didn't cure completely even after 3 hours. I had to shut the heater down and go to work. This morning I fired it back up to finish the cure. Not a good practice I'm sure, but I had no choice. It seems like the gelcoat has been taking roughly 12 hours to fully cure to the touch. The thicker it's layed down, the faster it seems to cure.

 

[kcassells]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[jc55]

Does anyone seem to raise suspicion in their small town hardware store, or is it just me...

Started drilling over sized hatch screw holes for epoxy...

After...

 

[Woodonglass]

Why??? Are you one of dem dere Long Haired Hippie Type Fellers????

 

[jc55]

I guess the way they are carding people for Acetone and all the syringes don't help.

 

[jc55]

I borrowed a gasoline engine powered air compressor and after repairing the delamination I caused and have started the sanding process on the rear transom skin.

The area repaired turned out pretty decent. It was the first time I've done a repair like that and actually came out pretty fair. I'm using US Composites 150 thick epoxy and SM fairing compound to glaze over the imperfections next.

Still working every single day for the last couple of months, so I sent my deck boxes to a body shop to have painted instead of doing it myself. It turns out more economical considering the heat and materials it takes to do a small shoot myself.

 

[ahmincha]

Jc I don"t know if you ever got to really use this boat much before you stared the rebuild. But am wondering how did the 200 hp push the boat do you know top speed

 

[jc55]

Long answer: I used the boat all spring and summer and logged 300 miles. (Which is why I am building her the way that I want). The previous owner claimed WOT was 42mph. I never went WOT. Cruise was 32mph at 4400 rpm. It was more than enough and got on plane super quick. It is when I had full fuel, 3 kids, two adults, and gear, that it went great but felt heavy.

The reason I bought a new 250 is because the 200/225/250 weigh exactly the same. For the money of a new motor, I didn't want to risk disappointment in loss of torque going 4 cylinder 200 hp four stroke to replace a 6 cylinder 200 hp 2 stroke.

It also didn't make sense going 6 cylinder 200 hp four stroke when it weighed the same as the 6 cylinder 250 hp four stroke.(bang for the buck)

On your boat, IMO, you'll want the torque of a V6 on Erie whether it's 2 or 4 stroke. You didn't ask but if it were me, I would run the 4cylinder 150 you have for a season and then you'll "know" exactly what you need. What are your thoughts on power for the Stratos?

 

[ahmincha]

That is what I am starting to think about. My boat weighs about 3000 lbs so that's a 1000 lbs lighter then yours so I am figuring 200 to be my minimum and 300 is the max rating. Although I doubt I will go 300 hp probably 200 to 250 I will be going used so I'll have to see whats out there

 

[jc55]

Everything has been bottle necking on painting the rear of the transom so that I can attach the jackplate, motor, and start wiring. I broke down and built a styrofoam "hot box" around the back of the boat today. It's 26 degrees outside and maintaining 45 degrees with just 2 halogen lights. Hopefully I'll be able to bake cookies with a little propane heat and epoxy paint and Awlgrip tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[kcassells]

Good Luck...fingers crossed.